Cyber attacks that steal sensitive data are an ongoing concern for every organization. Almost half target smaller businesses. What’s worse, about 60% of the smaller businesses that get attacked go out of business in six months. They simply can not survive the financially devastating impact.

Having sensitive financial, personal and operational data stolen can ruin a small business. Stolen records and transaction histories can be used to steal from the small or medium sized business or its customers and that’s only the start of the problems.

Large Corporations Fight Back

Larger corporations have implemented cloud and other technologies to fight back against data theft. Small businesses can learn to mimic the ideas these bigger outfits use on a smaller scale and a much smaller budget. Even if you don't have a full fledged IT department at your disposal.

Small Business Data Security Tips

Begin With a Conversation

Cyber security threats are constant and present each and every day, smartphones and other mobile devices brought to work maximize the risk.

Small businesses should start out talking about how they manage and secure presently, what their environment consists of and how they are thinking about cyber security as it relates to what they do. Talking with employees about what kinds of data they can keep on their work computers and what makes up good password practices are good starting points. Any conversation needs to be focused.

Use the Right Encryption

Of course, prevention is one of the fronts where the cyber security fight rages on. For small businesses, having the right encryption is a big part of building a solid online defense to keep hackers out. You can encrypt at the individual level, what’s incoming and outgoing and the data behind the Firewall. Even auditing protocol can play a role in your encryption.

Monitor What’s There

Many small businesses focus on the malware and other cyber pests trying to poke a hole in their defenses to get in. It’s a good idea to take stock of your existing database to see if anything has already gotten through. In fact, studies show 55 percent of cyber attacks are inside jobs perpetrated by employees. Ransomware for hire is a growing problem that businesses need to be aware of. Disgruntled employees can get paid to provide usernames, passwords, and other personal information on the dark web. It's always a best practice to change usernames and passwords when an employee is terminated.

Consider Security as a Service Applications

Service as a security applications need to be considered too. These are generally software products. They help to batten down the data hatches when it comes to monitoring the flow of data through mobile devices. However, they also keep watch on the information passed though office printers, an office tool not usually associated with data theft.

Use the Cloud to Defend Against Ransomware

Having a secure backup plan is a good idea for all aspects of your small business and online security is no different. Saving and securing data in multiple locations that includes the cloud ensures you won’t be the victim of ransomware.

You should also have someone that has the tools and knowledge to safely assess your network and risk. At Cloud Cover, we can provide this service to your business so you know what threats are there already or where your weak spots are. This is crucial to know when starting to take steps to prevent the risk of losing your data.